Effects of clinical use and sterilization on surface topography and surface roughness of three commonly used types of orthodontic archwires.

Aim: To evaluate the changes in surface topography and roughness of stainless steel (SS), nickel‑titanium and beta‑titanium (β‑Ti) archwires after clinical use and sterilization. Settings and Design: Thirty wires each of SS, nitinol, and β‑Ti (3M Unitek) were tested in as received, as received and autoclaved, and clinically retrieved then autoclaved conditions. Materials and Methods: A sterilization protocol of 134°C for 18 min was performed using an autoclave. Surface topography of specimens from each subgroup was examined using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM model Quanta 200, The Netherlands) at ×100, ×1000, and ×2500 magnifications. Surface roughness was measured using arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) values obtained from optical profilometric scanning (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, UK). Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by one‑way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post‑hoc procedures. Results: Scanning electron microscope images revealed an increase in surface irregularities in SS and nitinol wires after clinical use. There was a significant increase in Ra values of SS orthodontic wires after intra‑oral exposure (P = 0.0002). Conclusion: Surface roughness of SS wires increased significantly after clinical use. Autoclave sterilization did not affect considerably on surface characteristics of any archwire.

Frictional characteristics of the newer orthodontic elastomeric ligatures.

Introduction: Elastomeric ligatures reduce chairside time but increase friction. Polymeric coatings and 45° angulations have been introduced to the ligature modules to combat its disadvantages and reduce friction. This in vitro study compared the frictional characteristics of six different types of the most commonly used elastomeric modules. Materials and Methods: Thecoefficient of friction for six ligation methods: the non-coated Mini Stix† and coated Super Slick Mini Stix™ (TP Orthodontics), 45° angulated but non-coated Alastik Easy-To-Tie™ (3M Unitek) elastomerics and non-angulated non-coated Alastik QuiK-StiK * , 0.110'- and 0.120'-diameter elastomerics™ (Reliance Orthodontics) were measured in dry conditions utilizing a jig according to the protocol of Tidy. Results: A significant difference was observed between the various types of elastomeric ligatures (P<.01). Among the six types of elastomeric ligatures, the 45° angulated elastomeric ligatures produced the least friction, followed by the coated Super Slick† elastomers. No difference in the friction was noted when the diameter of the elastomeric ligatures was varied. Conclusions: Polymeric surface coatings and introduction of angulations into elastomeric ligatures reduce the friction during sliding; however, the diameter of the ligature made no difference to sliding friction.

Retreatment Of A Maxillary Lateral Incisor With Two Canals Associated With Bony Dehiscence : An Endo- Perio Case Report.

A 25-year old female was referred with gingival recession and pus discharge associated with bony dehiscence in relation to previously root canal treated maxillary left lateral incisor. Radiographic examination revealed presence of a second canal which was left untreated in the previous treatment which could be the possible cause of treatment failure and development of bony dehiscence. During re-treatment, the second canal was located, cleaned and shaped and obturated and the bony defect was treated with free gingival graft. This case report demonstrates the need for greater attention in treating the root canal of maxillary lateral incisors due to its variations in root canal morphology and also the need for thorough evaluation of good quality pre-operative radiographs taken in different angulations to avoid such mishaps. This case is unusual because considerable research has reported that these teeth can only have a single canal.

Management Of Mild To Moderate Fluorosis With A Combined Chemomechanical Approach.

The treatment of enamel fluorosis usually ranges from expensive ceramic veneers to free hand bonding restorations. Although vital bleaching does improve the esthetics to certain extent it has only met with partial success in regard to moderate to severe fluorosis. The triad combination of micro reduction, micro abrasion with vital bleaching is considered to be more promising in the removal of discoloration which is also cost effective and less time consuming.

Prevalence and correlates of bacterial vaginosis among young women of reproductive age in Mysore, India.

PURPOSE: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge among women of childbearing age and is associated with STI/HIV and adverse birth outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of BV among young women of reproductive age in Mysore, India. METHODS: Between October 2005 and December 2006, 898 sexually active women of 15-30 years of age were enrolled from two reproductive health clinics in Mysore. The women underwent an interview followed by physical examination, HSV-2 serologic testing, endocervical culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae , and vaginal swabs for diagnosis of BV, Trichomonas vaginalis infection and candidiasis. Statistical analyses included conventional descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 898 women, 391 (43.5%) were diagnosed with >or=1 endogenous reproductive tract infection and 157 (17.4%) with >or=1 sexually transmitted infection. Only 863 women had Gram-stained vaginal smears available, out of which 165 (19.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.3%-22.2%) were found to have BV and 133 (15.4, 95% CI: 12.9%-18.3%) were in the 'intermediate' stage. BV was related to concurrent infections with T. vaginalis (odds ratio [OR]=4.07, 95% CI: 2.45-6.72) and HSV-2 seropositivity (OR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.39-3.53). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the prevalence of BV at 19% was relatively low. Coinfection with T. vaginalis , however, was common. BV was independently associated with concurrent T. vaginalis infection and partner's alcohol use. Muslim women had reduced odds of BV as compared to non-Muslim women. Further research is needed to understand the role of T. vaginalis infection in the pathogenesis of BV and the sociocultural context surrounding the condition in India.

Lymphnode infarction and lymphoma.

Lymphnode infarction is seen in two sets of situations viz. spontaneous banal infarction of non-neoplastic nodes, and in association with lymphoma. It needs to be differentiated from other causes of lymphnode as a phenomenon occurring synchronous with and occasionally preceding diagnosis of lymphoma is significant.